Image Source: WIBW

Crime in Topeka took a frightening turn Wednesday, Oct. 28, when a series of attacks across central Topeka left multiple people injured, homes breached and residents searching for answers. Police later identified Adam Schwegman as the suspect connected to the incident.

According to Topeka police, the crime spree involved five locations and 17 victims. The incidents included multiple stabbings, an alleged rape, residential burglaries and an attack on a 70-year-old woman at Ward Meade Park.

Shocking Topeka Crime Spree Spanned Five Locations

The first reported attacks happened in the 1600 block of S.W. Fillmore. Police said two people were stabbed there approximately one hour before Schwegman was confronted by a bystander.

Booking information also listed an allegation of rape connected to the same address. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Schwegman is presumed innocent unless found guilty.

Police said Schwegman then moved through the 1400 and 1500 blocks of Fillmore. Investigators reported that he entered two homes during the unfolding incident.

Four children were inside one of those homes, including a four-month-old baby. Officials said the children were not hurt. The presence of young children added urgency to an already dangerous situation, according to the account provided by police.

Three Stabbings and Park Attack Reported

The attacks continued in the 600 block of S.W. 3rd Street, where police said a third person was stabbed.

Authorities also said a 70-year-old woman was hurt after Schwegman attacked her at Ward Meade Park. The suspect reportedly ran from the park afterward, eventually drawing the attention of Ron Hubbard and another bystander.

Hubbard told WIBW that he had been spending time with a friend when he noticed a man acting unusually. The situation reminded him of a television scenario involving a fleeing suspect and a delivery driver.

“I happened to look up the street to my left, and I seen this strange guy,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard and the other bystander confronted Schwegman because they believed he had been at the park where the earlier attack occurred. When Schwegman attempted to flee, Hubbard said he extended his leg, causing the suspect to fall into the grass.

“I decided to step in, throw my leg out, trip him and he landed over here in the grass, and the knife fell in the grass,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard said he kicked the knife toward the sidewalk while the second person held Schwegman. The suspect eventually got away from the two men, but officers soon caught him.

Suspect Faces 16 Charges and $3 Million Bond

Schwegman was booked in connection with 16 charges, including aggravated battery and rape. The charges stem from the violent events reported across Topeka on Wednesday.

Two people were reportedly stabbed in the 1600 block of S.W. Fillmore.
Two homes in the Fillmore area were reportedly entered.
Four children, including a four-month-old baby, were inside one home but were not hurt.
A third person was reportedly stabbed in the 600 block of S.W. 3rd Street.
A 70-year-old woman was reportedly injured at Ward Meade Park.

Schwegman made his first court appearance Thursday, Oct. 29. A judge set his total bond at $3 million.

The case remains active as prosecutors review the allegations and the court process moves forward. Additional information may be released as investigators continue their work.

Community Reaction After the Violent Incident

Hubbard said he was relieved he could help stop the suspect before anyone else was harmed. At the same time, he expressed regret that he and the other bystander were not able to intervene earlier.

“Well, if you see something bad, try to help stop it. I wish we could have got to it before this happened,” Hubbard said.

The incident has renewed attention on public safety in central Topeka, particularly when violent activity moves quickly across multiple neighborhoods. Police continue to urge residents to avoid confronting dangerous suspects whenever possible and to contact emergency services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Topeka Crime Spree

Who was arrested in connection with the Topeka crime spree?

Adam Schwegman was arrested and booked in connection with 16 charges related to the attacks, according to Topeka police and court information.

How many victims were reported?

The WIBW report described a crime spree involving 17 victims. The reported incidents included three stabbings and an attack on a 70-year-old woman.

Were any children injured?

No. Police said four children, including a four-month-old baby, were inside one of the homes entered during the incident, but none of the children were hurt.

What happened to the suspect?

Ron Hubbard and another bystander confronted Schwegman and briefly stopped him after he ran from Ward Meade Park. Police later took him into custody.

What is Schwegman’s bond?

A judge set Schwegman’s total bond at $3 million following his first court appearance on Thursday, Oct. 29.